The must think that we're dumb

I have spent far too much time at a number of gun auction sites this week as I have been home with pneumonia the last 2 days. I just cannot believe the prices they want. The only good news is that out of the first 5 pages of going,going on the site less than 10% even have bids.

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Standing Wolf

February 25, 2005, 09:39 PM

I believe a great many sellers have decided to post sucker prices and wait—however long it may take—for suckers.

The flagrantly dishonest descriptions of firearms are even more contemptible.

bean357

February 25, 2005, 09:52 PM

I hear ya, Bear Gulch. Been homebound with the snotty nose/flu bit myself the part of the past week and thought I might come across one of the guns on my "have-to-have" list...hasn't worked out yet. Any suggestions for sites to look at--I've mostly been checking Auction Arms, Gunbroker, Gunsamerica?

Mr. Mysterious

February 25, 2005, 10:10 PM

I check the auction sites every once in a while, I've heard of people getting good deals, but I've never seen anything worth bidding on.

dasmi

February 25, 2005, 10:11 PM

I've been checking Gunbroker for a ruger 22/45, but so far, nothing that isn't way over priced.

boofus

February 25, 2005, 10:35 PM

The sites like gunbroker.com and gunsamerica.com are like online gunshows. Tons of overpriced new guns, lots of knick-knacks, and very few good deals.

gunsamerica.com isn't as bad, I did manage to get a very good P7M8 off there for $750.

www.sturmgewehr.com is more like a swapmeet. There is just as much used stuff as new and you can frequently find good deals. My friend bought a like-new USP Tactical off there for $700. It's just a classifieds forum however, so there is no fraud protection etc...

Old Fuff

February 25, 2005, 11:32 PM

I have found some good deals on GunBroker, but I know the dealer.

It also depends on what you are looking for. If you're seeking a like-new, much in demand, classic expect to pay. On the other hand if you can be satisfied with something less there are some good buys. I spot sleepers all the time. :evil: :D

Cosmoline

February 26, 2005, 12:11 AM

I don't know. Frankly I've gotten some very fair deals on line. Yes there are the sucker items that just sit there for some fool to take (ie the "sneak" Mosin for $550). But even the most inflated gun auction site is nothing compared with the farce that gun shows have become.

Bear Gulch

February 26, 2005, 09:18 AM

I picked up a winchester 190 for 80 bucks which seems okay to me. But when I see Henrys, "On sale" for 199 when I can buy one over the counter at the ranch store for 149 to 169! Or the ones who start an item at zero but have a huge reserve. Throw in shipping and I'd have spent 50 buck more than necessary.

Old Fuff

February 26, 2005, 09:34 AM

I ignore ANYTHING that has a reserve, as I consider them a waste of time. I also spend more time looking at parts, accessories, books and other publications, grips, leather - anything but guns. I have bought far more of this stuff then guns, and I've never been disapointed.

Looking at guns is usually just for giggles. :evil: :D

Double Naught Spy

February 26, 2005, 09:34 AM

The must think that we're dumb

I think you flatter yourself into thinking that the folks selling guns have given any thought about you. Standing Wolf is right. They post what they want to get and while YOU may not be dumb or ignorant about gun and know how to find deals, there are enough people out there buying to keep this practice viable.

There is NOTHING wrong with setting an asking price that reflects what you actually want for an item. And in the case of gun auctions, the cost is very little or nothing if the gun doesn't sell at one price and is then relisted slightly lower. Eventually, it will sell. Online auctions represent very low overhead and so many dealers are not in a great hurry to sell at reduced prices.

Kik'nFortifiv

February 26, 2005, 09:49 AM

The deals are there, you just have to dig. I purchased a Mill Pro .45 online for $289 plus $10 shipping, NIB. These guns were priced at $429 plus tax at Academy and a large local shop here, which would have made the OTD cost of $432 ( assuming I could have bought for an offer of $400 at the local gun store, Academy you pay whatever the sticker says). My total was $299 to the online guy, plus $15 for my local FFL - $314. However, Mill Pros were listed in the online auctions ranged from $289 to $459, so you just have to look at a lot of auctions to find the deals. The guy in OK that I purchased my Taurus from has a pretty good stock and I will probably buy from him again. I guess I tend to stick with a seller when he has good prices and good service.

kikilee

February 26, 2005, 02:26 PM

If the auctions sights would charge a "listing fee" that would help some.

dfaugh

February 26, 2005, 02:49 PM

I sell stuff on alot of auction sites (not guns) including :barf: EBay :barf: , AuctionAddict, Bidville, Yahoo an also camo/outdoor stuff on Gunsamerica and Gunbroker. And here's the problem with listing fees---they add up. Its worse for me since I sell lower priced items,, I have to make 100% profit on items, just to break even, if I sell 25% of the stuff I list on eBay...So essentially I have to charge more because of the listing and final value fees. I usually charge less on the other sites, because fees are less or nothing. But I end up selling at least some stuff on eBay 'cause I sell more stuff there...Don't like it but there you have it!

Let the Yahoos list all the overpriced stuff they want...There's still some deals there...I've seen more than a few good deals (as well as lots of bad ones) on the gun auction sites.

Wildalaska

February 26, 2005, 03:25 PM

I try to be reasonable in gun auctions. I use the penny auction feature a lot in Auction Arms, and do (sorry Fuff) have to put reserves on some items simply to ensure that we can get what the gun is worth less expenses etc...

Just for curiousity, I would like you guys to go run through my auctions and tell me what ya think is overpriced, Link below..please give me reasons, not just that "hey my buddy got on from a widow fer half that, nyuh nyuh"

WildmarketresearchAlaska

NavajoNPaleFace

February 26, 2005, 03:39 PM

Simply put, I find GunsAmerica and Gunbroker as only entertainment and a reference site.

I fail to see any great deals on either of them and as far as I am concerned I want to see, feel and handle any gun I intend on, or am interested in, purchasing.

To me buying off of an on-line auction site is panamount to buying any purchase (be it a home, car, etc.) at auction without the ability to look it over and trusting the seeler...NOT!

As far as the prices sellers at the gun show want I, too, have guessed they are trying to capitalize on the popularity of buying firearms 'frenzy' since the AWB sunsetted.

I have, also, noticed, a higher asking price for guns at the local mom an dpop stores and their unwillingness to deal.

It's now all about that greed for the almighty $.

As far as I'm concerned, with the exception of certain C&R items, I'd rather pay full price for a new gun than some of the used prices they put on less than desirable firearms.

Bear Gulch

February 26, 2005, 03:42 PM

Wild, I have looked at you stuff more than once. You are reasonable. I guess my perception is based on the local market, and what I wouldn't pay for a gun in Idaho a fellow in California might feel that he's getting a deal.

Old Fuff

February 26, 2005, 05:34 PM

Wildalaska:

Well I looked at your auction page and didn't get emotionally upset... :scrutiny:

I would say that your prices are in line, and in my view at least one item is exceptionally low. As proof of the pudding I also noticed that most of your items had bids on them - showing that the bidders at least don't think you're overpriced.

Regarding reserves ... I'm used to auctions where the seller can set the minimum they'll accept, and this amount is shown up-front. I have no problem with this. Apparently the auction you use doesn't do this, and if that's so I can see where you have no choice but to set a reserve. So if I was bidding on your page I would simply start with what I was willing to pay and let it go at that, or I would wait until someone posted a bid that did meet the reserve and go from there. What I object to is when someone starts the bidding at $1.00 knowing full well that nothing short of $500.00 will take the item. I like to at least know what the ballpark is before I enter the game.

bean357

February 26, 2005, 06:03 PM

EDZACHARY! What Old Fuff said

Wildalaska, your auctions are the exception to what some of us have been venting a little about here :)
Cheers!

BlkHawk73

February 26, 2005, 07:19 PM

If the auctions sights would charge a "listing fee" that would help some.

I agree. that would weed out a lot of the crap that gets posted and reposted and reposted week after week, month after month. Maybe it'll make sellers think before posting something up and asking stupid prices for stuff. If it's too much for them to pay the fees, they'll have to make due the old fashioned way - in thier store.

I've gotten a few good deals from GunBroker and AuctionArms. Guns America seems more of a gun show since there's no actual bidding, you ay the set price or no sale. Can't understand why there's the common stuff listed so much. Surely it's cheaper to get a Ruger 10/22 or 22/45 at the local shop than buy online and then pay shipping and a transfer fee. :banghead:

Hawk

February 26, 2005, 09:35 PM

I would like you guys to go run through my auctions and tell me what ya think is overpriced

Go for the prices, stay for the comedy.

Has the Skunkmeister checked out that tactical Roscoe Vest Pocket?

junke

February 26, 2005, 10:28 PM

I am always scanning the auctions but rarley find good deals. i did however buy a NM M1A with 3 mags NM sling, SA gov. scope, 3rd gen scope mnt, clean kit& tool in the stock, spanken new condition and beutiful walnut stock delivered for $1250 :what: sure would like to find those more often :) im looking for a SOCOM now, anyone need to part with one? :D

bean357

February 26, 2005, 11:08 PM

Just wanted to add this: I did buy an item on ebay from Wild West Guns and it arrived by far faster than anything I've bought "CONUS" - the second day I had it in my possession - very fine people to deal with

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